Impacts of Climate Change on Vector-Borne Diseases of Animals and Humans with Special Emphasis on Afghanistan

Abstract

Vectors are organisms that transmit pathogenic microorganisms among animals and humans. Infections transmitted by the bites of blood-sucking arthropods are called vector-borne diseases (VBDs). This review highlights the impacts of climate change on the distribution, seasonal variation, and socioeconomic effects of VBDs in affected countries, especially Afghanistan. There is good enough evidence indicating that recent climate change has affected the interaction of the vector-pathogen-host cycle in many parts of the world. The emergence and re-emergence of bluetongue virus (BTV), Rift Valley Fever (RVF), lumpy skin disease (LSD), West Nile Virus (WNV), and malaria in new areas previously considered free of the diseases, and shift of seasonal occurrence of many VBDs in endemic areas, are the clear examples of climate change impacts on VDBs. Although significant progress has been made regarding VBD surveillance systems, diagnostic capacity, vaccine development, and vector control programs in resource-rich countries, failure in adaptation programs and ineffective mitigation strategies against VBDs in developing countries, especially in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), including Afghanistan facilitate widespread distribution of VBDs in these regions. Furthermore, developing drug resistance among the pathogens and their vectors makes the conditions more suitable for VBDs wide dispersion. Such situations cause severe health and socio-economic burdens to affected countries. Developing early-warning systems for detecting VBDs, identifying and developing resistant livestock species and breeds, and applying interceptive measures based on integrated research programs are crucial to effectively reduce the harmful impacts of VBDs on human and animal populations.